01
der Maler
painter
An artist who paints pictures.
example
Vincent van Gogh ist einer der berühmtesten Maler der Kunstgeschichte.
Vincent van Gogh is one of the most famous painters in art history.
der Maler
painter
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'der Maler' (painter) is derived directly from the verb 'malen' (to paint). It therefore refers to a person who paints—either as an artist or as a tradesperson.
EXAMPLE
Wer hat dieses wunderschöne Porträt gemalt?
Who painted this beautiful portrait?
Context clue
You can tell from the context whether the artist or the tradesperson is meant. Words like 'Kunst' (art), 'Galerie' (gallery), or 'Gemälde' (painting) point to the artist, while 'Wand' (wall), 'streichen' (to paint), or 'renovieren' (to renovate) refer to the tradesperson.
EXAMPLE
Der Maler hat die Fassade des Hauses neu gestrichen.
The painter repainted the facade of the house.
Typical collocations
In a trades context, the word is often used with certain verbs. Typical phrases are 'einen Maler rufen' (to call a painter), 'einen Maler beauftragen' (to hire a painter), or 'der Maler kommt vorbei' (the painter is coming by).
EXAMPLE
Für die Renovierung müssen wir einen Maler beauftragen.
We need to hire a painter for the renovation.
Compare with
Maler vs Künstler
artist
'der Künstler' and 'der Maler' can both refer to a person who makes art. The important difference is: 'Künstler' is the broader term. A 'Künstler' can paint, make music, write, or create sculptures. 'Maler' is more specific when someone paints pictures. In addition, 'Maler' can also mean a tradesperson who paints walls or facades. Learners may confuse the words because a 'Maler' in the artistic sense can also be a 'Künstler'. If the type of art is not important, 'Künstler' fits. If it is specifically about painted pictures or painting walls, 'Maler' fits.
Maler
Der Maler streicht nächste Woche unser Wohnzimmer weiß.
The painter is painting our living room white next week.
Künstler
Der Künstler zeigt in der Ausstellung Bilder, Fotos und kleine Figuren.
The artist is showing paintings, photos, and small figures in the exhibition.
In real life
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